Quick look: LG G5 vs. LG V10

Two stellar phones, with overlapping specs. No wonder folks are getting so excited.

Without a doubt one of the more ... discussed ... announcements at Mobile World Congress this year was the LG G5. If you're only looking at the specs, on paper, it might seem like a slight step backward in a mobile world that's always going bigger and faster. But get the G5 into your hands, and things change a bit. It's very nicely designed. That's not to say there aren't questions about real-world use — how often will we use the dual rear cameras, for instance.

And, of course, there are the optional modules — one that adds a camera grip, some physical buttons for shooting, and an extended battery; another for high-definition audio.

One of the more vocal questions we've heard about all this has come from those who currently own the flagship of LG's other line — that'd be the V10. So let's take a quick look.

The biggest difference between the G5 and the V10 is, of course, size. The V10 is a large phone by anyone's standards. But it's also a very well-designed large phone, and it feels like a tank. The G5 is a full centimeter shorter. (That's not a unit of measurement we get to use too often around here.) It's a little more than a half-centimeter more narrow. The display is a good bit smaller. So for many folks this is going to be a more manageable phone.

The LG V10 and the LG G5 aren't as different as you might think. But each has its place.

There's been a lot of hemming and hawing over the smaller battery in the G5. It's all of 6 percent smaller than the battery on the V10 (and the LG G4, for that matter). Just 6 percent — and in a much smaller size. We've got to wait until we get to spend more time on the phone before we can comment on what sort of real-world battery life to expect, but the Snapdragon 820 in the G5 is, on paper anyway, supposed to be even more energy efficient. So maybe it'll be a wash. Maybe it won't be. But it's premature to write off the G5 just because of a 6 percent difference in stock battery capacity.

Other than the size, the display isn't a big departure from the V10. I didn't think the V10's secondary display was perfectly implemented (though it was an interesting idea), and maybe you'd miss it on the G5. On the other hand, the G5 gets an always-on display that'll give you a little more information all the time, too.

Then there's the matter of high-definition, 32-bit audio, via a B&O-powered digital-to-analog converter. The V10 does that out of the box (minus the B&O part). It's built into the phone. The G5 can make use of an optional module that replaces the stock bottom of the phone. The plus side is that the DAC module outputs everything in 32-bit, not just certain apps. And it's relatively small for what it does. The down side is that we have no idea how much this module is going to cost yet. That's a big question mark.

Remember that the V10 is the start of a new line for LG, though, with its phones being meant more for content creators. And as such it has full manual control over video recording. The G5 doesn't. That's probably not a deal-breaker, but it is a really cool feature we'd love to see expand.

Specs comparison

Category

LG V10

LG G5

Processor

Snapdragon 808

Snapdragon 820

Main display

5.7-inch QHD

5.3-inch QHD

Secondary display

2.1-inch

None

Storage

64GB + microSD

32GB + microSD

RAM

4GB

4GB

Rear camera

16MP

16MP main, 8MP wide-angle

Front camera

5MP Dual Lens

8MP

Battery

3,000mAh (removable)

2,800mAh (removable)

Operating system

Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow

Size

159.6 x 79.3 x 8.6mm

149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7mm

Weight

192 grams

159 grams

And we still have a lot of questions about the G5 itself. I've not seen anything yet that inherently rules it out. It's different than the V10. Better? Worse? That'll be your call.

Reader comments

Quick look: LG G5 vs. LG V10

Let me say while the LG G5 may have better specs on paper and moving to modular design which brings many possibilities overall v10 is a better phone minus the processor. I have v10 and wife has g5 and battery life is about equal for both but that may be because of marshmallow. Speed of phone that is the differance. G5 is much faster. I personally prefer the size of v10 and if I where to jump to another phone it would be the s7edge but think I will keep my v10 until next nexus or v1.2

Not sure but I would assume so since A. its newer and B. its the LG flagship. All you have to do is compare the specs but I can tell you that like every other feature on the V10 the camera performance is excellent.

LG did not hold any punches on the V10 and as long as they keep making large screen smartphones with replaceable batteries and performance like the V10 I'll keep buying them.

I have been using SLR and for the last 15yrs DSLRs along with several video cameras professionally and as an enthusiast and am quite impressed with the abilities of the V10 camera. It is very capable of amazing photos & video.

Compared to the Samsung Note 3 that it replaced for me the V10 acquires focus very fast.

That being said I will always shoot with a DSLR, for total control they just can't be beat but that's for we 1%. For the rest of the normal population the V10 is an amazing phone, camera & overall tool! just don't forget to copy your phone pics to your computer and back them up!

Now that my favorite image editing and cataloging (image library to organize, tag, rate, etc.) program integrates with mobile phones and tablets you can really make your phone pics amazing. Do yourself a favor and get Adobe Lightroom.

All I can say is that I love my LG V10!! so I'm sure the G5 is a winner as well. I recently replaced my Samsung Note 3 with the V10 mainly because like the Note 3 the V10 allows for replaceable batteries and I tend to use at least 2/day and don't want to carry around a larger external battery/charger.

I hope LG keeps making these high quality large screen smartphones with replaceable batteries and not go the sealed route like Samsung!

Every time I pick up the V10, I know I'd buy one. Love the feel in hand. I like my G4 so it's not much of a leap.

You know one "feature" on my G4 that get virtually no props is the curved screen. So nice to be able to put the phone done on the counter and not have to worry about salt or grit (I don't use screen protectors).

If that hifi DAC was included then I'd consider it. Since it isn't and I know it will be expensive I won't even give the G5 a second look. I love my V10 anyway, and it's the first phone i can say that about since my HD2

Well I know that I have absolutely no plans to go with the G5. I am perfectly fine with waiting to see what they do with the V line. I'm enjoying my v10 much more than the Note 5 I gave up to my wife. It may be slower on games, I don't know since I have game consoles and beautiful big screens and 7 channel surround sound to play them on.. but in every other way the v10 to me is a much better phone. How fast of processor does it take to listen to fantastic sounding music, or take utterly beautiful pictures.. Oops my bad.. 808 fast...

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth issues.. Nope none here.. and some of us actually like the secondary screen. A scratch magnet metal back isn't a upgrade it's a downgrade regardless what some of the writers are excited about, same for a glass backed phone that's slick as snot.. Just put a case on it... Why in hades would I go back to doing that? I don't have to with the v10..

Nope.. When I had my G4 I had my choice of beautiful leather backs to choose from.. Now you will need to buy something to do the same.. Backwards..

I love the design of my v10, but I'm ditching it for an s7 for a few reasons:

1.) The BlueTooth is really buggy, and I use it CONSTANTLY, so this is a big deal for me.
2.) LG isn't supporting the v10. Where's Marshmallow? Where are my OEM accessories (wireless charging, anyone)? They seem to have already forgotten about the phone.
3.) When I complained about the lack of support for the v10 prior to MWC, they told me, "Just wait for MWC, we think you'll be pleased." Well, I'm not.
4.) I want a phone that'll be supported, and I don't like the design of the G5 vs. the v10 or s7
5.) It gets laggy sometimes--I think they should've beefed up the SoC on my phone.

Anywho, LG has turned me off to their phones because of how they've handled the v10's release. I think it's the best feeling phone (in the hand) on the market, but it's just not being supported, and LG's software "enhancements" kinda suck. :-( I wish it weren't so . . .

Hi, I've got an opportunity to get a V10 at good price, and it seems like a great phone for me {I would be using it mainly as an audio and video device and for taking the odd photo, no gaming really), but your comments re bluetooth and lag worry me - what exactly are the issues you experienced? To screw up the implementation of something as basic as bluetooth takes some doing.
Thanks

I feel you on some things but LG is supporting the V10 it's just they are busy trying to compete with Samsung.The V10 is a big success and we will probably hear more on the next V10 when Samsung brings out there next note. That's the game LG is playing right now and has made it known.And good luck on your S7 ...also a good choice

I still have my V10 I picked it up used on Swappa it's a nice phone, but some things I use just don't work well on it. Like freezing widgets. Anywho I picked up a GS7 Edge and it's a nice phone. I still love LG, but the S7 line is just a little bit better for now.

I've held a V10 before and might I say, despite its screen size, it is surprisingly relatively easier to hold than other 5.7 inchers. The secondary screen also makes it look like the screen is bigger without extending the body of the phone since the borders are very narrow. So overall, I like the V10's design more. But the G5 is so much advantages in terms of specs in this comparison https://versus.com/en/lg-g5-vs-lg-v10. And it also shows a more promising future as the other modules come out.

Cool...did you check out comparison on phone arena...it shows more than other comparisons. The G5 isn't miltary tested for shock and drops nor was it made with double glass for durability...these as well as other things aren't on some spec comparisons but may still be a good phone and besides the battery life there isn't anything the V10 doesn't have

The G5 may have better components but just look at it. It looks like an HTC (and how is that look working for HTC?). Remember those aluminum tent posts from the 80s? LG is making phones from them now and trying to call it premium. The V10 is undeniably PREMIUM looking, maintains the rear volume rocker, feels substantial in hand, and is easy to hold on to with the grippy rear surface.

What I wanted out of the G5 was the rumored modularity, the established rear buttons, removable battery and concave screen with the V10s solid feel. Metal is good but I want stainless steel not aluminum. If you have to go aluminum, go with hi end machined aluminum not the cheap stuff that looks like it will dent at the first bit of contact with a hard surface.

Any chance they will be releasing a FLex 3 because I am sorry I waited for LG to more or less release an HTC M# and call it the G5.

Just to let everyone know that the G5 is absolutely not better than the V10. The only reason why LG brought out the G5 was to compete with Samsung for the first quarter and is trying to stay on track with them.The V10 is and will be LGs best phone made so far by first look at the comparison specs and it's very obvious. And for the list of why the V10 is better than the G5 and other so called top phones is that it's been military tested for shock,has been made with 2 sets of glass for durability,has 64 gigs out the box,IR blaster,expandable storage,removable battery,dual cameras,Stainless steel frame and it's the only phone last year that can handle drops without a case and stay alive.The only this the V10 doesn't have is being water proof and I bet LG is working on that as we speak.

Sorry buddy, not no phone rocking a mediocre Snapdragon 808 can be considered a company's best when they've produced something more recent with a far superior SD 820. I'm sure the G5 also has a superior camera

The 808 really is quite mediocre though. IMO the 32 bit, krait core SD 805 is definately the more consistent and overall faster performer compared to the 808 in day to day usage. The 808's GPU is actually a step down from the 2 year old 805. I'm not saying the 808 isn't perfectly acceptable, just that its not even close to on par with the high-end chipsets out today.

And LG's software is still atrocious and inconsistent. I think Samsung's software development has come further along than LG's at this point

Well just look at the specs and you will see how the V10 blows the G5 away...doesn't matter that you can't add attachments because the V10 doesn't need any to be great. As for the snapdragon yes it is a little behind but it even that doesn't stop this from being LGs best phone.Once again the G5 only came out as a marketing scheme to rival Samsung and the only way to really get some attention is to say it's there best...LOL..can't blame them thou.

No I'm looking at the specs and can't see how the V10 blows away the G5?? Which specs are you looking at??? The speaker system in the V10 is tinny and rubbish, the phone is way too large and looks ugly and the extra features are just cheap gimmicks.

The G4 is already pretty big and the V10 moves in Galaxy Note territory - i.e. way too big for a lot of people. Right now, since I lost a phone to a pool dunk, the S7 has my future money (some time this summer) as the G4 is just too big. Other than size I love the phone. The S7 factors for my money are: 1. Waterproofing 2. Wireless Charge 3. Getting SD storage (don't care about Adoptable storage) and finally - SIZE - I think this is the perfect size for my hands and it ticks all the other boxes. I have a few more months until I'm ready to upgrade so plenty of time to sort it out.

I'm almost ready to call the V10 their new flagship but I'll have to wait and see what they do with the second version. They threw me for a curve with the G5 but I think I'm slowly starting to see their strategy just maybe...

I have owned the G3, then the G4, and right now I own the V10.
The V10 is by far my favorite one of them, each one gets better than the last.
That being said, I have preordered the S7 Edge as my next phone.
LG has lost me as a customer by releasing a phone without the features of the last phone, and then asking me to spend more money to get them back.
No Qi charging option, remove the HQ audio and add it as an extra, remove the manual camera controls and add it as an extra.... cut the screen size and battery size.
Too much LG, hopefully the V11 or G6 is once again a complete phone.

The LG G5 has manual camera settings for stills but not for video (you dont need "Cam Plus" for it). I think that that will only be for the V-line, or at least for the time being.

All I know is that I am switching my V10 for the LG G5, and for not really an apparent reason... Or it could be the slight creaking noises I hear when using my V10, caused by the back cover. Because Im not really interested in the modules, I do agree that the V10 looks better. I like a phone with a big screen... So, I see no reason for switching but since I saw the LG G5 Im not as happy with my V10 as I used to be.

You bought a phone with a unusual feature. That secondary screen requires more development. Expect all updates to take longer and they will also likely stop sooner because of it. Weird features like that are going to cause update issues, just ask first generation Moto X users.

Really impressed by what LG has been able to accomplish in the G5 but they kind of did the same thing Microsoft did with their flagships but to a lesser degree. They checked all the function boxes for removable battery, back cover, expandable storage(plus a bonus with the modules), great screen and plenty horsepower but they didn't focus much on design. At least not one that will turn many heads.(maybe it will) But I'm finding it easier to believe I'll keep my V10 for duration of my monthly installments and actually own the phone for good. The camera is one of the main reasons and Samsung phones can't go beyond 10-15 second exposures which still makes a considerable difference for long exposure and star themed photos. And I love the native manual mode for video.

The battery life on the V10 is it's worst feature bar none, and it is mainly for the crappy 808 chip which had worse efficiency than the previous generation Qualcomm chip before it. Combine that with the massive screen, and lack of battery management feature of Marshmallow, and relatively small battery and you have the perfect storm of a crappy battery life . While the 820 chip said to be much better in efficiency , I would have still gone with the larger battery. I'm keeping my V10 though, and hoping for a "V20" later this year to address the issues above.

Honestly when I got my V10 battery was horrible. I read up and people said do a reset and dont restore any apps or data when you set it back up.
I did a factory reset and manually set up the phone and I can get 5-6 hours SOT now. Usually I have ~40% left at the end of the day with 3 hours SOT.

The G5 is slowly growing on me, ok very slowly but it's getting there. I think the HUGE! 200mah loss is going to have a negligible difference in battery life as others make it out to seem like it's the end of the world or something. Seriously, like Phil said it's 6% smaller than the G4 and V10's battery. I expect LG to do a promotion for an extra battery and cradle like they have in the past so that solves that issue. One thing that would be nice is if they include an extra chin piece so I wouldn't have to keep messing with detaching the battery. Seems like that would wear pretty quickly.

I will stick with my V10. I like the second display and larger form factor. The only real disappointment is LG promised Marshmallow for the V10 for January and now March is set to begin with no update announced! Hopefully LG will also update the specs this fall with a V10 successor (don't know how they will name it though V10-2? V11?) I recommend they keep and improve the second screen too.

V10 just looks better to me..LG got rid of what separated them from the competition. The look of the case.Now they are rounding the corners like everyone else..I hope the next v iteration doesn't take on the step back appearance.